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The Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation is establishing a new group called Virginia Garcia Connect (VG Connect). VG Connect will be made up of a group of dynamic, community-minded individuals who share an interest in taking action to ensure that all people have access to high quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate healthcare. We are currently looking for founding members! Join us as we make an impact in our community and have fun doing it!

VG Connect will raise awareness in support of the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, which provides more than 35,000 patients with primary and preventive care each year in Washington and Yamhill Counties. The Health Center has 4 health clinics, 3 dental clinics, a school based health center and a mobile clinic which reaches out to migrant communities. Our focus is on serving those with barriers to accessing care.

VG Connect works collaboratively to:

· Build new community partnerships with individuals and groups that recognize the value of supporting their local community health center

· Raise awareness about Virginia Garcia’s vital role in the community

· Act as ambassadors for Virginia Garcia at community events

· Plan community events in partnership with Virginia Garcia staff

Examples of the types of projects VG Connect members will take part in:

-Highlight Virginia Garcia in a publication at your workplace (Newsletter, bulletin, etc).

-Attend a community networking event as a Virginia Garcia representative.

-Plan a neighborhood gathering to talk about the importance of public health and the role Virginia Garcia plays.

-Staff a table with Virginia Garcia employees at a community event.

-Send invitations to Virginia Garcia events to your contacts.

-Create a Facebook page for Virginia Garcia.

What your participation in VG Connect will do:

-Increase awareness about the work of Virginia Garcia to increase number of partners in the community.

-Increase visibility in the community thereby creating more opportunities for Virginia Garcia to engage new supporters.

-Increase partners and opportunities for funding to support the Health Center’s initiatives.

How to be a VG Connect member:

-Attend a committee meeting every other month and as needed according to event opportunities.

-Choose and participate in one outreach activity once a month with the goal of introducing community members to Virginia Garcia.

-Assist Virginia Garcia staff in occasional outreach activities.

Please contact Britt Rosenberg (brosenberg@vgmhc.org and 503.352.8618) to find out more and please feel free to pass the word on to anyone who might be interested! We would love to have you be a part of this new and exciting group!